The armies of hell were gathering in the Spirit Realm rallying around their leader. They were called there because it was time for the End to begin.

A terrible host of demons writhed in an evil frenzy as they could hardly contain themselves in anticipation of the destruction they would reap upon the mortals on earth. Those who had been planting the seeds of destruction in the lives of men for centuries were called back to join the others for they would now focus on the Chosen Ones, striking while they were weak.

Their leader made his grand entrance from the rear. Slowly and with calculated steps, he made his way to the front of the ranks as he inspected his army of demons. In this way, their eagerness to serve him would build to a crescendo as he walked close to them, making eye contact with many of them. Their attention was fully on him as they awaited word to go forward to dominate and destroy the Chosen Ones. He was pleased with their eagerness to serve him. The infidel mortals would be bowing to him soon enough.

As he approached the front of his army, he saw his brothers standing regally in their chariots, prepared to lead the army against the Chosen Ones. Their countenance was proud and arrogant, as they waited with patience to carry out their directives as they were created to do. This was the time they had been waiting for since they were cast out of heaven. His long, flowing cape billowed fluidly as he passed between two chariots. His brothers’ heads never moved, but their eyes met with a confidence that they would not be defeated this time.

Satan turned to face his troops and paused for dramatic effect as he held his hands high into the air and shouted, “It is time!”

A roar of battle cries rose from the ranks, and Satan savored the sound of it. He gloried in the sight of those who were eager to serve him. This was his day, and no one was going to stop him. That pitiful excuse for a Messiah was dead. Now, he would take his rightful place as King, and all of mankind was going to worship him.

“Today, we have the taste of the sweetest victory in our mouths. He made a mistake when He chose to live among men as one of them. He escaped me many times, but not this time. Now, He is my prisoner for all eternity. He is finished!”

The roar of his army rose in a victorious chorus of praise for the one they served.

In heaven, mighty warriors waited in silence. They sat on their steeds with weapons in hand and fire in their eyes as they waited for their Creator’s command. There was no fear in them. Upon His command, they would do their job and serve the Creator well.

On earth, time for men moved by slowly. Men were unaware of the events that were transpiring in another realm. The span of days in their world was only moments in time for the invisible world that surrounded them. The Chosen Ones on earth were devastated by the death of the Messiah. Even though He told them what would happen, they allowed unbelief, fear, and now despair to dominate their reaction to His death.

Satan started to unleash his demon forces when he felt something that brought him to a halt. He closed his eyes trying to unveil the feeling that gripped him in this moment. He sensed a change in his army and opened his eyes. Their roars ceased, and the silence was crushing. What were they looking at with such intensity and fear?

“No!” he thought. “It can’t be!” And he reeled around to find Jesus standing there.

“How?” Only this single word could be mustered as he stood in shock and anger at the sight of his prisoner standing there before him.

A glint of metal caught his eye. Jesus was slowly and deliberately raising his hand without even taking His eyes off of Satan. He was holding something. The expression on Jesus’ face told it all as he opened His hand to reveal the keys He had taken from his enemy.

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Absolutely fantastic! This is so real! You have written a masterpiece! That last line... when Jesus stands there holding the keys to eternal life, and the keys to death for the devil...I too want to shout! I'm amazed that this page isn't FILLED to capacity with kudos! Great work of art. Thank you!